FOUR men involved in a series of violent attacks on six people, including an American tourist at a St Patrick's Day parade, were jailed yesterday for terms ranging from three to 10 years.

The men, aged between 18 and 22, were sentenced at Clonmel Circuit Court for their involvement in a series of "unprovoked attacks" on members of the public in the Tipperary town on March 17 last year.

Two of the men -- brothers Ned (22) and Dan Delaney (19), of 1 Carrowclough, Tipperary -- were both handed the maximum 10-year sentence for violent disorder.

American tourist James Faul told the hearing last November he was attacked by a gang of men during a visit to the town with his wife for parade.

Mr Faul received a broken nose, a fracture to the bone around his left eye requiring the insertion of a titanium plate and has suffered continuous double vision as a result of the attack.

The court also heard Ned Delaney had used a sign from outside an off-licence to strike Frank Spillane (53) across the back of the head, while Francis Butler (60) was struck on the head with an ice cream sign by Dan Delaney.

Ringleader

John Cleary (68) was struck in the face by Ned Delaney as he smoked a cigarette outside a pub and suffered a fractured jaw.

All four of the accused pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder and to various counts of assault on the day.

Ned Delaney, who judge Teehan described as a "ring-leader", received 14 years for four counts of assault to run concurrently with the 10 years for violent disorder. Judge Teehan suspended the final four years.

Dan Delaney received 12 years for four assault charges also to run concurrently with the first 10-year sentence for violent disorder, with the last three years suspended.

John Paul Delaney (18), of Abbey Street, Cahir, was jailed for five years for his involvement in the attacks; and Patrick O'Keeffe (19), of St Ailbe's Drive, Tipperary, was jailed for three years.

Judge Teehan said: "Word must go out that courts will not tolerate this behaviour of character in our towns and villages."